Future of building is first job for Neil after return to work

Ben O’Connell

A north Northumberland cyclist, who suffered catastrophic injuries after colliding with a car, has returned to work around six months after the incident.

Neil Wilson, the asset development manager for the Glendale Gateway Trust (GGT) in Wooler, was back at work this week and will initially be working part-time.

As previously reported, the Berwick resident suffered a severe head injury, collapsed lung, fractured pelvis and broken arm in the incident, which happened as the car made a right turn at the junction of the B6354, near Ford, on September 30 last year.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) was called to the scene by road paramedics. The aircrew arrived and anaesthetised him before performing an advanced surgical procedure and administering two units of blood at the roadside.

Once stabilised, the father-of-two was transported to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) within 17 minutes, where he arrived in a critical condition.

He spent five weeks in hospital before being transferred to the Walkergate Park rehabilitation centre for a further two weeks.

Earlier this year, Neil handed over more than £1,700 to the GNAAS that was raised by Berwick Wheelers Cycling Club, of which he is secretary.

Early last month, he also attended an event to mark the first anniversary of the Blood on Board project, which allows GNAAS medics to carry out roadside blood transfusions.

His first task back at the GGT will be to carry out a feasibility study on what could be done with the old Co-op building on Wooler High Street following the store’s move into the former Wheatsheaf Hotel.

The Trust doesn’t own or lease the building, but does have an interest in maintaining a thriving High Street.